‘80’s rocker dies after ‘courageous battle with cancer’
Larry Gillstrom, guitarist for Canadian hard rock band Kick Axe, has died at age 70 following a battle with cancer.
Gillstrom passed away on Monday Aug. 4, according to an Instagram post from his band on Aug. 11.
"Larry maintained a positive and upbeat attitude as he quietly fought a courageous battle with cancer, all while performing live shows with Kick Axe in 2024," the post read. "Along with Kick Axe performances in Calgary and Winnipeg; Larry's final show was on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 in his beloved hometown of Regina, where it all began."
Additionally, Gillstrom and his band were working on a new album up until the guitarist's death.
"Larry was truly a wonderful, inspirational person and musician who will be missed by his family, band mates, friends and fans worldwide," Kick Axe wrote.
Formed in 1976, Kick Axe gained recognition in the 1980s hard rock scene with their 1984 album "Vices" and singles including "Heavy Metal Shuffle," "On the Road to Rock," and "Rock the World."
The band also achieved success with their hard rock cover of The Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends," performed in a style similar to Joe Cocker's version rather than the original.
Kick Axe has toured with tons of notable artists such as Judas Priest, Scorpions, Rush, Quiet Riot, Triumph, Metallica and Whitesnake.
In their tribute, the band encouraged fans to "crank up your favourite Kick Axe song or album... and of course Stay On The Road To Rock Forever!"
The statement added that details regarding a celebration of life would be provided at a later date.
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Read the original article on MassLive .
